#4906 – Found in Christ

Good morning people who walk in freedom in a way that God is glorified.

Colossians 2:16-17 NIV Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.

Paul knew that some people were still caught up on the fulfilment of the Law in order to be right with God. Therefore he addressed this directly and said that fulfilling a law does not save you – accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour saves you.

He specifically mentioned the freedom to eat and drink what you want. The context of this was important. God gave instructions to the children of Israel primarily to keep them safe and healthy on their journey and in a time when hygiene was an issue.

Paul is saying that what you put into your body is not as important as who is in your heart.

He also specifically mentioned religious days. At the time of writing this letter, Paul knew that some prided themselves on how well they “attended” religious festivals. He knew that many believed they were right in God’s eyes simply by observing these days.

And it is no different today for some people. Some believe they are right with God because they were born into a certain religion, or they attend church at Christmas or Easter, or maybe that they even go to church every Sunday.

But the purpose of every religious meeting is to connect people with the God who saves them, sanctifies them, redeems them, heals them and transforms them! It’s all about Jesus, and the “reality” of eternal life is only found in Him.